Multiple Antibiotic Resistance profile of environmental Citrobacter isolates harboring virulent markers isolated from fresh water reverine environment of Narmada, India

Infection due to Citrobacter spp. is of great concern and indiscriminate uses of commonly used antimicrobial drugs have led to resistance in Citrobacter species. The study was aimed to assess the antibiotic profile of Citrobacter strains harboring virulent genes. Out of 125 isolates analyzed, 23 isolates were positive for hly A gene whereas via B gene was found only in all the isolates of Citrobacter freundii. Antibiogram analysis of these 51 virulent isolates revealed that Citrobacter braakii and Citrobacter sedlakii are been found to be more resistant than other isolates of Citrobacter spp. In iodometric analysis, beta lactamase activity was observed within one minute in Citrobacter koseri and Citrobacter freundii isolates. Among 51 strains analyzed, 37 of them harbored multiple plasmids that exhibited a diverse distribution pattern. The study demonstrated the existence of multidrug resistant Citrobacter sp. harboring hly A and via B genes in fresh water of river Narmada. The occurrence of virulent antibiotic resistant Citrobacter sp. in riverine environment may contribute significantly to its dissemination and if enters directly or indirectly in human food chain can even cause consternation.